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Honda Indy Toronto is Free on Fan Friday

Ontario Honda Dealers Association continues its support of Make-A-Wish® Canada to help make children’s wishes come true

TORONTO, ON (June 9, 2015) – For the sixth straight year, the sights, sounds and speed of the Honda Indy Toronto will be free for fans to enjoy on Friday, June 12, 2015. Fan Friday is made possible through the generous support of the Ontario Honda Dealers Association (OHDA) and Toronto race fans. In exchange for a voluntary donation to Make-A-Wish® Canada, Fan Friday promises a jam-packed schedule of on-track action, and off-track stunt shows, contests, autograph sessions and other entertainment from gate open to close across the event site, providing something for everyone.

“Our ongoing partnership with Make-A-Wish for Fan Friday is a big part of the Honda Indy Toronto,” said Kevin Pearson, president of the OHDA. “This is all about putting fans in the middle of the action in support of a great cause. We hope fans give generously to help make wishes come true for children with life-threatening medical conditions across the country.”

Honda Canada is a proud supporter of James Hinchcliffe, the only Canadian driver in the Verizon IndyCar Series. Given James' recent injuries and the outpouring of support for the 'Mayor of Hinchtown' leading up to his hometown race, race fans will have the opportunity to sign a giant 'Get Well Hinch' card throughout the weekend for a minimum $2 donation to Make-A-Wish.

Fan Friday gets bigger and better at Honda World every year with track-side fun and games for the whole family including free popcorn, snow cones and candy floss, golf practice swing and hockey slap shot zone, face painting, racing simulators and an opportunity to have your photo taken in a real Indy car. With no reserved seating on Fan Friday, attendees will have access to all grandstand sections on a first-come/first-served basis.

Honda to match fan donations

Rather than pay admission to Fan Friday attendees are encouraged to donate to Make-A-Wish. All contributions will once again be matched dollar-for-dollar by Honda Canada.

“Honda was founded on a belief in the power of dreams, so we are very supportive of this initiative by our Ontario Honda Dealers,” said Dave Gardner, senior vice president of operations, Honda Canada Inc. “We’re happy to help make the dreams of Canadian children facing life-threatening illnesses come true by matching funds raised for Make-A-Wish.”

Continued for 2015 is the option to text the word ‘DREAM’ to 41010 from any mobile phone to make a $5 donation. The support from organizations like Honda Canada, the OHDA and the general public gives Make-A-Wish the ability to grant more than 500 wishes every year from coast to coast.

“We’re excited to be a part of the Honda Indy Toronto again this year thanks to the OHDA and Honda Canada,” said Jennifer Klotz-Ritter, president and CEO, Make-A-Wish Canada. “The support provided to our magical mission through Fan Friday and the weekend of activities at the Honda Indy Toronto helps bring hope, strength and joy to our courageous wish children and their families.”
“The Honda Indy Toronto is one of the premier racing events in North America and it wouldn’t be the same without Fan Friday and Make-A-Wish,” said Charlie Johnstone, president of the Honda Indy Toronto.

About the Ontario Honda Dealers Association
The Ontario Honda Dealers Association, which was founded in 1989, represents 78 Honda dealers located in 62 communities throughout Ontario, which is home to the two Honda of Canada Mfg. assembly plants that produce Civic, Canada's best-selling passenger car for 17 consecutive years, in addition to the CR-V. The 78 Honda dealerships in Ontario, which have a proven track record for providing maximum customer satisfaction, employ approximately 3,000 associates.

About Make-A-Wish® Canada
Make-A-Wish Canada is a dynamic wish-granting organization that brings hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions. Along with the national office, eight regional chapters grant magical wishes to children in need from coast to coast. Make-A-Wish Canada is an affiliate of Make-A-Wish® International. Make-A-Wish® is the largest wish-granting organization in the world, making dreams and wishes come true for more than 350,000 children since 1980. For more information, please visit www.makeawish.ca.

About the Honda Indy Toronto
The Honda Indy Toronto, Ontario's largest annual sporting event, takes place June 12 - 14 on the streets surrounding Exhibition Place near Lake Ontario and downtown Toronto. In addition to world-class racing, the event features festival attractions, including craft beer, food trucks, adrenaline filled shows, interactive games and activities, live entertainment, charity events and celebrity appearances. For more information, visit HondaIndy.com. Follow the Honda Indy Toronto on Twitter @HondaIndy and ‘Like’ us on Facebook at facebook.com/HondaIndyToronto.